Last night on KARK 4, we announced our Steve Landers Miracle Makers recipient. As you can see from the video below, it was an emotional experience for all parties concerned.
Mike Burkes, a husband and a father to two young boys, is a family man who has been fighting a long, hard battle. The Miracle Makers have decided to lighten his burden
It all started with a toothache. After going to the doctor for a precautionary biopsy, he was informed that he had developed one of the rarest forms of cancer possible--and it was already stage four.
Thirty-five radiation treatments and five chemotherapy sessions later, he was declared cancer free, only to later discover that his cancer had come back in full force. It had become so severe, in fact, that his doctors told him his cancer was incurable.
It would have been easy to give up. That wasn’t an option for Mike.
As a veteran, he understood the importance of perseverance, dedication, and sacrificing for the greater good. This time around, his battle was for his family.
With knowledge of his untreatable cancer in mind, Mike got to work. He has been working tirelessly on finishing his home for his family in an attempt to leave them with security after he is gone--and perhaps leave a part of himself behind in the process.
But time, expenses, and the physical toll of restoring a home is a grueling combination for a man so sick.
The Steve Landers Miracle Makers have been so moved by Mike’s story and resilience that we have decided to help him in his fight. On KARK 4, Big Steve had a chance to meet Mike and share our news with him.
Steve said:
“I personally thank you for your service [as a veteran] and for protecting my family. Now, I’m going to do my best to help you protect your family...we’re going to do our best when you get back [from Disney World] to sit down and try to put things together for you. You protected me, and I’m going to protect you.”